Day 66: Matera to Santeramo In Colle

April 22, 2023

Cycleblaze Rendezvous with the Anderson's

"Dua cappuccino" Patrick orders. "Cappuccini" the waiter responds, "it's cappuccino if one, cappuccini if two." He delivers to our table the Cappuccini with a smile. "I've been ordering it wrong all this time," Patrick says.

Today we are meeting the Anderson's at 1:30pm with only a short distance to go, so we check out later than usual for us. Though we only ride down the street and around the corner and stop for a cappuccino

We find a bike path for out of town and down the hill and stop at the Parco Scultura La Palomba.

Parke sculpture

Then a significant hill up to the viewpoint across the ravine from Matera. We take turns walking the paths so one of us can watch the bikes. We plan to hang out here for a while, enjoying the view and eating a sandwich for lunch.

Around noontime we start for the designated intersection and planned meetup. It's only about 12km so we take our time.

"This sign looks like it needs a hug," Patrick says.

Anyone know the significance of this or what it is?

We reach the junction before Scott and Rachael. They have sent frequent updates and messages that their route has had a few detours. It's a beautiful day and we have a nice place to sit.

Then we see them coming! It's so much fun to finally meet!! In 2021, they were riding from the midwest to the East coast Road to Rome: Part One America while we were riding the Northern Tier. We thought that there was a chance we might meet then. We have so much in common, besides biking, journals on Cycleblaze, we have the same wedding anniversary date and Rachel's/Rachael's same nickname Rocky.

We have about 10km to Santeramo In Colle including a climb of switchbacks.

See the switchbacks marked by the rock wall.

Scott and Rachael navigate us into town on a quiet road still with a few short climbs.

We arrive to the B&B that Scott and Rachael have researched and found. We will be sharing a room, just like the old "hostel" days.

To see what their ride was like to meet up and the ride together to Santeramo in Colle with some fun videos by Rachael and Scott

Heart

Comment

Link

Today's ride: 32 km (20 miles)
Total: 2,299 km (1,428 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	14
Comment on this entry	Comment	3

Suzanne GibsonHow cool that you could meet up after all!
Reply to this comment
1 year ago

Scott AndersonSo great that we finally met up! Thanks for waiting around for us.
Reply to this comment
1 year ago

Rachel and Patrick HugensTo Scott AndersonAbsolutely a highlight for us is that finally met. We are now waiting for loading onto the ferry....hope your day went well. Visit us in Boise!!
Reply to this comment
1 year ago